Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur
Goodison Park
Sunday 19th January
Kick Off: 14.00 (GMT)
This week’s Match of the Weekend comes to you from Liverpool as Everton take on Tottenham Hotspur. The match is packed with intrigue as two out-of-form teams in the Premier League face off on Sunday lunchtime with important points on the line.
The return of David Moyes to the Goodison Park dugout after twelve years failed to spark an upturn in results, or goalscoring, as Everton fell to a narrow 0-1 defeat against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa team. Tottenham Hotspur also go into the weekend’s clash on the back of a defeat, losing 1-2 to North London rivals, Arsenal.
With one win in the last ten matches between the two teams, American betting sites at the Daily Star will have a number of markets to explore as each team attempts to take advantage of the other’s woes. One team has the chance to break the shackles and bag three points, but what are the key talking points ahead of the match?
Can Moyes ignite the goalscoring touch?
Much has been made this season about the lack of goals from Everton (15). Only bottom club Southampton (12) have scored less goals, while Everton’s xG (expected goals for) is the worst in the league. In the last ten matches, Everton’s top scorer is actually Wolverhampton Wanderers’ defender Craig Dawson, who was unfortunate to score two own goals in Everton’s only win in the last ten, a 4-0 drubbing of their fellow relegation rivals.
The emphasis will fall on Moyes to instil some confidence in Dominic Calvert-Lewin and find a consistent way to goal. Everton mustered three shots on target against Aston Villa which is a stark improvement on their showing against Bournemouth in their previous Premier League match, but with Dwight McNeil still injured, the burden will fall on the likes of Abdoulaye Doucoure, Jack Harrison, Iliman Ndiaye, and Jesper Lindstrom to create the chances for DCL.
“Are you not entertained?”
For Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham Hotspur, there is no doubting the fact Postecoglou’s charges have provided much entertainment, as displayed in the 3-6 home defeat to Liverpool on 22nd December 2024. However, with results in the league not reaping the rewards for the attacking football on display, coupled with a laboured FA Cup win over Tamworth of the National League, when does Postecoglou take a more pragmatic approach?
The one solace for Tottenham fans is the cups, where Postecoglou’s team produced a stunning performance to take a 1-0 lead going into the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi final against Liverpool. This came off a typical 4-3 win over Manchester United in the quarter final. While progress in the FA Cup was ensured with a 3-0 over lowly Tamworth in extra time, Spurs fans will be concerned with results in the league. If entertainment is Ange’s sole objective, Tottenham could slide quickly into the clutches of the likes of Everton and become embroiled in a relegation battle.
Prediction
With both teams needing a result to break the recent run of bad form, Sunday’s match could be a cagey affair. However, Ange will not likely change his approach against the Premier League’s second-lowest scorers, but whether they can break down a stubborn Everton defence that has only conceded 26 goals is the question. For Everton and Moyes, more time on the training ground since Wednesday’s defeat will hopefully prove productive, especially in front of goal.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has not scored since 14th September 2024 and is well overdue a goal. And with Tottenham susceptible to set-pieces, perhaps there is a chance for James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, or DCL to bag a goal with their head.
Spurs’ season has admittedly been made more difficult due to the lengthy injury list, especially in defence, which is perhaps the reason why Postecoglou has taken a more gung-ho approach. However, the patched-up Spurs defence will be confident of keeping out the impotent Toffees and there could be a further sting in the tale with former Everton striker Richarlison fit again and raring to go.
Everton 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur – Tarkowski to score anytime
